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Lucky duck family sightings abound

One of the 13 rescued ducklings is reunited with its mother last week after being pulled from the sewer. (Sarah Smith / Enterprise)

Tales of the rescue of 13 lucky ducks last week in downtown Park Rapids prompted a variety of sightings over the holiday weekend.

Readers left messages and called about the ducks, which they claim were spotted hiking around the downtown area again after city workers freed them from the storm sewer Wednesday and released them in the river.

One duckling injured a leg, likely falling through a manhole grate, and had a pronounced limp, which made the group recognizable.

Concerned readers questioned whether the mother was unfit and they wondered why she kept leaving the sanctity and safety of the Fish Hook River to wade into traffic.

"The mother was marching them around downtown," said one man in a voicemail message. It was unclear what day this occurred.

"We saw a group of ducks heading from Bridge Street to (Highway) 34," faxed Dianne Wylie, shortly after the rescue.

"We worried they would get into traffic but could not stop. We did note that the hen had over 10 ducklings. One was stopping and sitting down as they went. We thought due to being tired; perhaps it was an injured leg?"

Wylie concluded her fax with a P.S.: "The mom seemed to be on a mission and walking fast."

If you spot the group, drop us a line. If we get photos we will post updates and pictures online at www.parkrapidsenterprise. com.